The AMA began tracking motorcycle-only checkpoints when they first appeared in New York in 2007, when the New York State Police stopped motorcyclists traveling to and from the Americade motorcycle rally. Since then, more than $500,000 in federal funds has been spent on these traffic stops.

"This money could have paid the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course fee for 10,000 potential motorcyclists," said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government affairs. "That money could have been used to combat distracted driving or been invested as federal matching dollars in the current comprehensive study to analyze the root causes of motorcycle crashes."

The AMA is calling on everyone to support legislation - such as the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act (S. 2078 and H.R. 1861) now under consideration in Congress -- and to sign the petition.